Inside Tokyo’s host clubs and the interplay between self-realization and self-destruction

​Director Fernando Souza explores the intersections between self-realization and self-destruction in Tokyo’s host clubs
The host clubs of Tokyo’s red-light district are a slice of the city’s entertainment industry self-described as “selling dreams”. And yet, with access to attention guaranteed behind their walls, the dreams being sold are as much part of the allure for the devoted actors keeping up the facade, as those drawn to the feelings of desirability they bring...read more on www.nowness.com
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[@Akkuzi]

For being 15 minutes, this video is really impactful

[@eepymoegirl]

Fr!

[@SpectreZ3R0vt]

I have lived in Japan for 11 years now and this culture has always fascinated me, it is such a gray area of society. Something Japanese people acknowledge yet never talk about, it is something that many foreigners are very curious about. It is expensive to go to a host club (even with first time discounts sometimes!) however, for some people it doesn't matter because the offer of companionship is worth it. I can understand this, it can get quite isolating especially when you don't exactly fit in, feel comfortable with yourself, or just want to find a little piece of love. There are many kind of hosts, some like this one running away and trying to make a life, while others chase the luxury lifestyle in hopes they'll hit it big. But Hosts also work under a time limit because as they get older, it can get harder to compete. Not everyone gets to be Roland. I wonder... what do hosts do after they "retire?" If we could get a documentary about that, it would be interesting. Is there a group that helps these people transition to other jobs?

[@ichi_san]

this may not help, but i found one ex-host's book on amazon, he got into doing seminars and conversations on economics, selling charisma tips etc... based off his story, it seems some may be able to get into various areas due to their skills in fashion, business and being a charismatic personality. some sell books too.

[@limbo__420]

There is Kebakura around the world. Many keep on traveling. Look for jobs in farming or gambling. I guess many keep on isolating themselves.

[@bishulover]

This is genuinely one of the most powerful videos I've ever watched. Well done.

[@ebobby1136]

I know this is off topic. But the cinematography on this video is amazing

[@kyleefaren3075]

When he was describing disneyworld fantasy I was not expecting to see Mickey actually there 💀

[@msmoon6011]

LOL

[@k7374-y4n]

Hahahha

[@rafasha2222]

LMAOOO "But it you go to Disneyland people will think Mickey Mouse is real" and then the camera moves and his ass is really there💀💀💀

[@rory7676]

Why the low views?? This video is amazing! Well done, how it’s shot, the topic, the twists.. more if this please!

[@beingme2345]

Not all videos get kissed by the algorithm.

[@WretchedHero]

I watche dhalf a minute and got the goosebumps. As you said, it is really really well made. Nice shots, the overlay vioce, it all makes a thick atmosphere. Great!

[@samaraisnt]

I think it was reuploaded. Watched a few years ago with millions of views.

[@Jsarmy87124]

too short and they are a lot better than this

[@garypageone4733]

This type of story has been done to death. It’s trying to be the Great Happiness Space, but can’t compare.

[@roseinthedesert3911]

What a story. Would love another few hours of this!

[@rory7676]

So interesting!

[@Jsarmy87124]

if you search they are a lot of doc much longer they are even drama about this

[@shupette]

I didn't think a 15 min video could break my heart in so many ways...and that Disneyland allegory was just ouch.

[@TamaonYT]

This video just melted me.... I wish he finds peace in his lifetime.

[@user-ur8zb9xp7l]

I was told by japanese that male hosts make alot of money, 2 years is enough to build a life . Why is he still in the business ?

[@hyuboo3679]

​@@user-ur8zb9xp7l Around 5:02, the top two hosts were getting announced. Since the guy we followed during this documentary is not among them, he most likely makes very little money in comparison. Unfortunately, only the ones who make it big get paid well; it's a business after all.

[@saymyname2417]

​@@user-ur8zb9xp7l- This person seems to want to stay but age may very well put an end to it sooner than anticipated.

[@elizabethdavid9964]

This is a sad story,very well presented and told though. I can't imagine the pains both the hosts and their clients go through mentally and my question in the end is to what gain eventually? Especially as the main character tells us,it's mostly all an illusion. Very sad .

[@thecook8964]

Illusion better than harsh reality?

[@diverdown365]

A great 75 min documentary called “the great happiness space” does a good job touching on that from both the perspective of the host and the guest - it’s actually how I came across this video.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpquiKmdrbGMm5I

[@saymyname2417]

​@@thecook8964- No, not to this extreme extent. Some fun is okay but in this case (and countless others) the illusion leads to an even harsher reality as it causes immense financial issues. While furthering the isolation. Selling yourself and or going into debt to pay for the illusion of relationship or only friendship is never worth it.

[@ichi_san]

This story was deeply impactful, really sad hearing his backstory of being kicked out for being trans and then working as host. But hearing that hosts are like mickey mouse selling a fake love fantasy to many clients who also have adult industry work was very direct, i appreciate this

[@RyukiSaima]

His English is good compared to those I've met at Kabukicho. I can't put myself in his shoes but somehow understand his sorrow, wish him a happy life!

[@ThaliaG12345]

I just wanna give him a hug and tell him he is doing great, he’s been through to much

[@lorebringers]

yes wow so much, why he is not doing the normal type of work? don't have sympathy for loverboys, never

[@TeaApriliani]

​@lorebringers at least he's honest about it in the video and dont ask for any sympathy either...i think he's very smart, his job very well paid

[@lorebringers]

yes very nice.. to get women that pay you.. as a man... very nice .. if they cant pay you put them to be escorts, what if your sister was one of them? please use your brain@@TeaApriliani

[@jinaaaaa8080]

@@TeaAprilianibut the very saddening part is that they feed upon their female clients, usually emotionally manipulating them to let them believe that they are the true loves and fish out the money. Reportedly these girls are no rich girls and often with life problems, and they enter prostitution just for these “lonely” dudes sometimes through their connections

[@ichi_san]

@@lorebringers well we dont know his backstory fully but he says his only option was this... so there is likely more to it

[@denizdowntown6385]

i am in Kabukicho as a photographer with clients 4-5 times a week for several years.. this is the real Tokyo most tourists and casual japan observers have no idea about...well done.. 15 minutes and really strong impression. Also love the camera work.

[@alittletitanic]

The cut, a pause, the purely black frame and just the narrator's voice. Well captured.

[@deboraluiza481]

his story made me cry :( i just wish he is better now

[@ifeelverygood]

this has more twists than a m knight shyamalan movie. I’m in awe. how do you even find a subject like this?

[@doranstewartstewart6521]

Uhhh vice for one, a couple video games and let's forget our old friend anime.

[@logravl5122]

M Night Shahimalayan King*

[@eternumdroida]

I am a queer person living in a big city, this kind of stories are everywhere.

[@Alunae]

The guy's English is actually pretty good, man

[@rory7676]

Yes definitely! I think it’s because he comes from a rich family and it sounds like he was educated overseas.

[@j.2512]

its a woman actually

[@j.2512]

@@rory7676 of course, america is where she caught the trans bug

[@Alunae]

@@j.2512 I mean he's transgender so I'd rather respect his choice.

[@alexccen]

Right! That's the first thing I noticed!

[@sylvias2062]

His girlfriend committed suici*e , 16 weeks later he already groomed and is exploiting another young woman . To say into a camera that he feels like at the moment he's making the two of them happy is wrong on so many levels . This young man is not OK.

[@danib3250]

Yeah, especially if you know how this Host thing works in most of the times. It’s way darker than what’s portrayed here. The story only scratches the surface.

[@sylvias2062]

@danib3250 I know that it is based in all sorts of cultural issues and preys on loneliness and Japan's toxic work environment aswell as the Left Over Woman mentality that is destroying Japan economically and demographically at break speed .

[@MrsLPAmy]

for real. the industry is actually insane.​@@danib3250

[@PinkPlatypus-xq9pg]

Woman.

[@MrsLPAmy]

@@PinkPlatypus-xq9pg no.

[@harper5378]

What an interesting person. And what a sad story, especially towards the end. I hope he finds peace and closure about how experiences. I'm a trans man, and currently navigating the relationship with my mom, who prefers to ignore that aspect of me. So that unexpectedly resonated a lot as well. Hope he's doing better a year later. Hang in there!

[@harper5378]

The production and artistic direction of the view was beautiful as well, really conveyed the emotions of the subject matter well.

[@astraworthington4348]

Yeah your mom is deeply disappointed that her daughter is mentally ill and ruining her body and life for an impossible lie. Too bad you can’t see sense and stop this insanity before you completely ruin your life but delusions are strong with y’all I guess. I hope your mother has other children that aren’t disappointing, bless her heart. I can’t imagine her pain. Oh YWNBAM 👍🏻😁 and have a great day!

[@parewhatitaikato4647]

I'm an avid fan of The Roland Show and this short doco is awesome in it's honesty and grittiness about the world of hosting re the good, the bad and the ugly as we say. Your English is great and I hope you have a strong pride community to support you too. Ganbarre ❤

[@peacelife]

Glad this vid came across. Thank you for sharing. Great docu. His English is very good! Haven't seen from this perspective b4. Glad he has a good life with gf❤. It is a hard life especially if your mom is not accepting you for who you are. ❤ There is a famous case where a manager of a hostess bar in love with a host and wanted all to herself and stabbed him. Glad he survived. He didn't want her to get the punishment which is so generous of him.

[@levlowgull3917]

heart wrenching stuff...

[@joyhope9486]

This was enlightening. Heart wrenching…this situation reminds me of a group of desolate hearts yearning for genuine love and enriching and fulfilling human connections.

[@saymyname2417]

Yeah, but this not the way to go.

[@branzart]

I relate to him in that way, changing yourself to please others because it is easier than changing them or dealing with their reactions. Eventually it becomes too hard to live like that though

[@richardblack3385]

Nah man. Be you, if people don't get you then they don't deserve you

[@ilyooo]

He must be in so much pain…

[@JamilaJibril-e8h]

😢...

[@richardblack3385]

Aren't we all

[@JamilaJibril-e8h]

@@richardblack3385 live ...

[@verablexitasap858]

😢❤

[@JamilaJibril-e8h]

@@verablexitasap858 I hope it's safe

[@UgurDoydukFM]

an unusual, strange but very well told story, film

[@user-bv8cm3pt1m]

Such an interesting story. I would love to hear more from this guy

[@katiegeorgeripia]

It's sad that most of the clients are prostitutes. But I guess they just want the connection without the stress of a real relationship. And because of their jobs they aren't judged as much by the hosts. Really great short documentary I wish it was longer

[@jamesmc369]

Actually most of the girls who go there do not start working in prostitution until they go to the host club. They are then introduced to sex work by friends or even the host himself. In most cases, they truly believe that they have a real relationship with the host and want to get married. This isn't a small issue in Japan, but it appears to be one that is swept under the rug. It's said that 5% of young women in their 20s now have had experience in prostitution in Japan.

[@rainypath96]

I highly recommend you watch "The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief". It's a 2006 documentary about host clubs and it's one of the best documentaries I've ever seen.

[@kyoheihayashi1319]

you're right but mostly they decide to work as a prostitute after they started to go to the host club because the man in the host club forcece the girls to do so, due to the system that most of that clubs allows the custemer to pay afterward. They ended up working as a prostitute since they can not afford pay and thats the only option they can get to cover up the payment. You can observe those people standing on the street in Tokyo everyday.

[@gordonbgraham]

@@jamesmc369 Where exactly is "it said" that 5% of women in their 20s have had experience in prostitution in Japan. What exactly does "have had experience" mean? Does it mean being approached by a tout in Shinjuku? 5% seems high. Does it include foreign women in Japan on "entertainment" visas?

[@jamesmc369]

@@gordonbgraham I can't remember the name of the study, but it's one of the few that has actually tried to measure it. It looked at prostitution amongst young adults across a number of different countries, and excluded things like hostess work etc. It found 1 in 20 women in Japan had worked in prostitution at some point in their lives. 5% is incredibly high, given that the number for European countries was less than 2% I've lived in Japan though, and anecdotally nearly everyone knows someone involved in the industry. I mean, there are literally vans that advertise for workers blaring cutesy music in busy areas of Tokyo

[@nshikuma]

absolutely amazing DP work. the effort in the production is inspiring. thank you for making this ;_;

[@spyx111]

what is DP?

[@nshikuma]

@@spyx111 Director of Photography/Cinematography :)

[@iyasherself]

I'm speechless after watching this video. I hope the universe always sides with us and brings us all its goodness.

[@rikokojima]

We need more such content from him. Ive been to Japan many times, and it’s sad to see so many lonely ppl in such a big city His English is amazingly good…perhaps he had a good start when he was young? I think he studied overseas as well

[@trevormarriott2383]

Great video much like an older doco I watched while living in Japan in 2008. "Great Happiness Space: tales of an Osaka Love Thief".

[@rahulghosh6049]

Buying love by spending money is an illusion, as the main character points out. In Japan, loneliness drives people to seek companionship, companionship is good in itself, but the host culture is based on physical attraction and nothing more. When physical attraction fades, what remains is called love. When two people genuinely love each other, they don't need to hold on tightly; instead, they trust each other and hold on loosely, knowing that when one needs the other, they'll be there. Love a person when they are at their lowest, not just when everything is going well. But we humans are drawn to illusions, chasing something that doesn't exist, only to feel sad when we don't obtain it-because it was never there to begin with. May God bless us all with wisdom.

[@gabbylipura2219]

This is so heartbreaking 😭

[@spacetrashart4u]

This seriously needs to be a movie ❤

[@DOGMA85]

"Our job is to sell happiness to the girls."

[@shreksoffspring]

When he revealed he was transgender that was quite literally the biggest twist I've ever experienced

[@littlemissteacup2373]

this should get more views

[@andrewtran1]

Searched host clubs expecting explanations and how hosts are bad. Was not expecting this

[@annika9604]

this was so interesting to watch and it was so suprising for me that he is a transgender i wish him all the best he sounds super nice and his english is prettyy good

[@florä-b8g]

wow those were rough 15 min! i love the cinematography of this thing!!

[@alanna5547]

It makes me feel bad for the girls that want companionship in the wrong places.

[@YNKS96]

The Great Happiness Space, 2006 documentary explores this topic in more detail

[@z3us522]

no fucking way, in 5:01 you see a host as number 1, he's one of my japanese friend kae san, we actually met while playing apex, dude is a chill dude with good income. If the host club shown in this video is ACQUA then that's 100% him. He told me that he's a host and he's very popular in the club, if he doesn't goes to the club he start to stream all day apex and valorant in twitch.

[@AngelsAndButterflies]

Wow that's crazy 😳

[@xiaoheihei_]

did u know he’s a host?

[@z3us522]

@@xiaoheihei_ yeah he told me he's a host after i start to play apex regularly with him

[@Zelly2001]

What’s his twitch?

[@blankroyai]

Got that lost in translation vibes, beautiful short docu

[@andreasvensson1648]

Thank you for sharing this. Hope hope is in the end of this

[@whilewaitin]

This is so well documented

[@r.j3423]

It’s been two years since this video was posted, I hope he’s doing well and found some sense of peace

[@吉田浩二-k2y]

日本独特の文化。浮世絵を英語にするとfloating world。これが日本のイメージであり、幽界のようなイメージ。

[@TeaApriliani]

I like the editing and video itself is very good...

[@darkowl9]

It's like a much shorter version of The Great Happiness Space from 2006, but no less poignant.

[@Karen-b1z7l]

We all have to live the best life we can, who are we to judge!!

[@saymyname2417]

You tell that to those who ruined and or offed themselves.

[@Fnywu]

Who is that guy's name? I really hope that he can find his happiness with his only one true love 😢

[@kayasawecka800]

Brilliant vid

[@justavideodiary]

So so so sad

[@exacerbatio]

too short for such a great video

[@imjustvisiting5397]

Was not expecting that plot twist😮

[@lanacheng8709]

Very interesting video. Didn’t know the clientele were mostly prostitutes. I’m an American living in New York City, and my new roommate happens to be a hostess. She comes home in the early morning hours and sometimes gets sick from drinking too much sake. It’s sad that because she’s a student here from Japan, and this is the only kind of job she could get.

[@lunarcowboy9275]

Beautifully told story but why end it so upruptly?

[@Sofi-ji4jl]

where is his social? i want to follow him and support him!

[@paulakreinberg1448]

a host is a charming parasite, and yakuza tool.

[@pigletti]

A heartbreaker for sure

[@reveriexxx]

his ex girlfriend dies by suicide 4 months ago and he gets a new girlfriend 3 months later, alright lmao

[@njrom2975]

Yes that looks like her and acts like her .

[@lulusmith3065]

que vida tan triste de estos jovenes Dios mio

[@ownedbymykitty270]

This was amazing!

[@ezzatisaid]

Off point but didn't think I'd be flipped off by Mickey when I clicked this video 😮

[@2120musiclover]

Damn. This was so sad. I wonder how he is now.

[@jaxlone997]

Nice video

[@richardblack3385]

Ive been to korea and japan. In these clubs scenes the happy people are sad and the user becomes the used a cannibalistic environment unless you follow your own path.

[@padyyiustanding]

Sorry life like this drinking spending end up wasting and bad health also mental health. Very depress after number of years.

[@bluetotoros8513]

i’m trans too. even in hard situations, seeing another person like me reaches really deeply into my heart. i wish you well

[@DDD-qx4ct]

Pray for them

[@noah1502]

i have so many thoughts about this documentary…

[@max-roz_annan]

Amazing

[@stephenvis]

Dystopia

[@DjWarp79]

Very deep. I feel you Bro. When you finally succeed. Give back by helping others. Salute!🙏

[@ted6580]

I’m sold, how do I sign up to be a host?

[@kxmxxx7213]

i did not see that twist coming at all.

[@crucible1084]

i think remember hearing somewhere that more often than not, when strippers get rented out for a private session, nothing sexual actually happens cause most clients are just really sad and lost guys that have nobody to talk to. this video is a reminder the roles can still easily be switched and it happens just as equally. pretty damn sad for both sides, and itd definitely be sad knowing the sad backgrounds of those women as the host

[@christinaramonaandjelkovic8909]

this is so cruel from a mother. I love my daughters but if they feel as a man, I would never put a pain on them just to feel good while they are in suffer. No, you must not change for anybody! ❤

[@PinkPlatypus-xq9pg]

Well, aren't you so special and good?

[@fuckingpenisgamer]

There needs to be more people like you

[@maximillianafrancine1451]

He just looks like he needs a good scrub and 48hrs of sleep. I just we all look sensational to one another when we're drunk. He sounds quite intelligent.

[@0one0oneo]

what lens was used for this?

[@HappySwedishPancake]

There's a lack of workers in Japan but education is expensive, pays are low and working environment is harsh so lots of young people end up wasting their life on this crap instead. So sad.

[@user-pe2lw1ze8i]

The liver must be incredibly tired

[@SiberiaDreams]

Relationships based solely on the exchange of money are hell.

[@susannadvortsin]

Do the girls and his girlfriends know that he's transgender? He didn't address this at all. It's also extremely heart breaking that his family kicked him out because he's transgender.

[@gogetyourgun1490]

I highly doubt it. Japan is not necessarily accepting of LGBT people, let alone trans people. They don't have legal protections. You cannot stand out or else you'll get ostracized.

[@nurijimenez07]

I have the same question

[@PinkPlatypus-xq9pg]

Of course not, it's a disgusting deception. Freaking crying games

[@immortalkaos80]

Given how badly that would affect his sales... I very seriously doubt they know, them or any of his clients. The women going to host clubs are going to be woo'ed by born men, a fantasy, and to shatter that fantasy would destroy any revenue value they had so no I wouldn't think so. Host work for a transman seems a very ill advised choice given the client base. One also has to wonder if discovering the truth, the debt, knowing that her boyfriend was a host who would never leave their job and marry her for real and the sex work to afford to be with the person she loved (since the fantasy of it is what they are selling) for someone who lied to her not once but twice in deeply betraying ways were not contributing factors in his ex's suicide.

[@saymyname2417]

​@@PinkPlatypus-xq9pg- In The Crying Game the dude knew what he dealt with. These girls most likely don't.

[@julioosmano]

i had no clue hosts even existed, wtf

[@dancingnachos3634]

Sorry but can someone tell me if his eyes are altered in some way?

[@emmalouie1663]

Whatever this is it's super depressing.

[@padyyiustanding]

This job looks good but do the wrong ideas. As this guy good heart, not just money, night life is change the mental health principles and moral of life, is twisted everything.😢

[@jobturkey7418]

I had no idea kabukicho was bad. It’s like Newport Beach compared to America lol

[@eryalmario5299]

Poor guy :(

[@quriOusmOOn]

I feel for the young ladies involved in prostitution and who are emotionally attached to the hosts.

[@andersondamasceno1356]

I feel sad for him. I hope he will find happinnes in life.

[@MachineGunnerKellyFans2466]

Hi story's really sad. 😢 trans and his ex un alived herself

[@manco828]

Why is Mickey Mouse flipping me off?😂

[@mlltbmrsll]

I really like animes but the culture of Japan in the relationships are so fucked up.

[@warriorhealer]

Love can make people do crazy things. I guess his ex loved him so much and so deep that the jealousy of him entertaining other female clients was just killing her.

[@melissakennedy5897]

Incredibly sad